Walgreens is donating $10 million in vouchers for free flu shots to 350,000 eligible uninsured and underserved people in 15 markets across the country.
The announcement by Health and Human Services (HHS)
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is part of a larger demonstration project being
undertaken by HHS and its partners to address continuing health disparities in
flu vaccination rates.
"Thanks to the new health care law, many people can get their flu vaccination without paying a co-pay or deductible, but there are still more Americans who cannot afford to get vaccinated for the flu," said Sebelius. "With this generous donation, Walgreens is helping individuals and families who otherwise might be unprotected from the flu this season.
We are also troubled by recent data showing disparities among people when it comes to flu vaccination. This donation will help us remove barriers that have prevented some from getting vaccinated."Vouchers available
Vouchers are good for one flu shot at any Walgreens
pharmacy, Duane Reade pharmacy in New York or Take Care Clinic, and will be
available beginning early next week in the following metropolitan areas:
- Atlanta, GA
- Bronx, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Kansas City, MO
- Newark, NJ
- Oakland, CA
- Philadelphia, PA
Vouchers will also soon be distributed and available through
local health agencies in:
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Miami-Dade County, FL
- Palm Beach, FL
- Seattle, WA
- Waco, TX
- Washington, D.C.
- Northern New Hampshire
- Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, NY
Local public health officials and their community partners
in the identified cities, in conjunction with the HHS regional health
administrators, will distribute the vouchers through a variety of community
outreach efforts.
Vouchers will be available on a first come, first served
basis while supplies last. State, age
and other restrictions may apply.
HHS demonstration project
The announcement is part of a larger HHS demonstration
project with local, state, public and private partners to expand efforts to
reduce health disparities in flu vaccination.
Protecting All from Flu -- HHS Demonstration Project to Expand Efforts
to Reduce Health Disparities in Flu Vaccination targets 15 communities in a
coordinated effort to improve influenza vaccination rates among underserved
populations.
The communities were selected based on existing vaccination
disparities as well as the availability of HHS infrastructure and resources in
these areas.
